The validation of the CarerQol instrument and factors associated with quality of life among informal caregivers of disabled older adults in China.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to validate the CarerQol instrument in informal caregivers of disabled older adults in China and to identify potentially modifiable predictors that may improve caregivers’ quality-of-life. METHODS: Data were from a cross-sectional survey involving 469 dyads of disabled older adults and their informal caregivers. The CarerQol was used to measure caregivers’ quality-of-life, generating utility-scores (0–100) using Dutch and UK-tariffs, level-sum-scores (LSS, 3–21) and CarerQol-VAS scores (0–10), which reflect caregivers’ overall happiness. Validation was assessed using distributional characteristics, known-groups comparisons by t-tests and one-way ANOVAs (Cohen’s d and Eta-squared for effect-size), and convergent validity (Spearman correlations). Univariate and multivariate regression models were used to identify predictors of caregivers’ care-related quality-of-life. RESULTS: Most caregivers were female (64.0%) with a mean age of 66.3 years. Mean CarerQol-utility-scores were 66.07 (UK-tariff) and 64.7 (Dutch-tariff), mean CarerQol-LSS was 13.15, and mean CarerQol-VAS was 6.3/10. The CarerQol instrument scores differed significantly in the hypothesized directions across caregiver-related-, care recipient-related-, and caregiving-situation factors. Among the four correlations hypothesized to be moderate, three were supported. In multivariate regression results, better financial status was positively associated with CarerQol scores, whereas higher caregiving burden, low willingness, and depressive symptoms to provide care were negatively associated. CONCLUSIONS: The CarerQol instrument appears suitable for measuring quality-of-life of caregivers of disabled older adults in China. Policies implications are for improving financial support and service provision, while also enhancing caregivers’ competence and positive care experiences through care guidance programs.